The Nordic News

Welcome Spring

Tomorrow marks the Spring Equinox. Equal parts day and night - a good day to reflect on the winter behind us and set our intentions for the season ahead.

Sandhill cranes have been spotted over Gunnison. Their return is about 10 days earlier than usual, which seems fitting given the last few weeks of warm temperatures. Unfortunately, due to the early spring conditions, the Beer Ski is canceled. Don’t let that stop you from hitting the trails. There are just over two weeks left in the CB Nordic season. Get out and ski before closing day on Saturday, April 5th.

No matter the weather or conditions, there’s really nothing better than time on skis.

See you on the trails.

Notes from the Trail

Conditions and Seasonal Closures

With spring comes more sunshine, beautiful bird songs, and big temperature swings. This also means variable trail conditions. The fast, icy morning conditions are replaced with soft, corn snow in the afternoon. 

We are done grooming Mordor for the season. Please exercise caution when crossing bridges. Look for Magic Meadows closures closest to the Slate when the Great Blue Herons return (should be any day now). Thank you for respecting the rookery.

As we round out the next couple of weeks, please remember that though crust skiing is tempting, there are very few places in our trail system where off-trail access is permitted. Most of our trails cross private property, so you're likely in someone's backyard if you ski off-trail. Make the most of the late-season groom, and when you need some more freedom in your glide, try Gothic or the Slate River corridor beyond the Magic Meadows Yurt.

Nordic Center

Retail Sale and Storage Wax

We’re having our annual spring sale, with most inventory discounted by 30-40%. If you’ve been thinking about a new pair of ski pants, some spring-weight gloves, or want to stock up on waxes for next year, now is the time. And our long-awaited ski ties have come in. Pick up a pair of CB Nordic gnome ties!

Plus, when you’re ready to hang up the skis and switch to summer gear, come get a storage wax for only $15.

Stop by the Nordic Center any day between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. to shop the sale, take care of your skis, or hang out in the Community Warming House.

Closing day is Saturday, April 5th.

Masters Community

Clinics and Gatherings

Free Pop-Up Clinic - Rescheduled
Thursday, March 20 at 2 p.m. - The Outpost

Ready to buy your own equipment? Whether you are purchasing your first set of skis or want to explore new options, this session is for you - Classic or Skate. This 75-minute clinic will provide guidance based on your skills and goals for next season.

Masters Gathering
Friday, March 21st at 4 p.m. - Upstairs in the Nordic Center

Masters Community skiers - Crested Butte Nordic instructors and coaches of your sessions invite you to a social gathering to cap off your ski season. Join us Friday, March 21 at 4 p.m. upstairs in the Nordic Center. Come for a beverage and conversation. We promise not to geek out about all things Nordic! 

Congratulations to Patrick McGowan! The February Masters Survey winner!

Classic Technique Pop-Up
Tuesday, March 25th at 10:30 a.m. - The Gronk

One more classic pop-up clinic this season. Polish off the season with great technique and pointers from our expert instructors. Registration is $20. Be sure to sign up by 5 p.m. on Tuesday the 24th.

The Grand Traverse

A few more volunteers needed.

We’re looking for a few more people to round out the Grand Traverse Volunteer Team.

On Saturday, March 29th we’re looking for late-night help. This includes beacon check and gear bag loading.

On Sunday, March 30th we could use a little more help at the finish line in Aspen.

Sign up to volunteer below or email Hannah Lang for more information.

Upcoming Bridge Days

Come splash in the river with us!

Tomorrow is the first day of spring. More sunlight, big temperature swings, and rising rivers can only mean it’s bridge time! We’re looking for help removing bridges on our trail system in preparation for summer.

Share your availability on the survey below. Kevin Krill will be in touch to schedule a few work mornings.

Thank you!

Give Back to the Community

Donate your CO State Tax Refund

Did you know you can donate your Colorado state refund, or a portion of it, back to Colorado nonprofits? ReFUND Colorado makes it easy to give back to the community.

Enter Crested Butte Nordic Council and our registration number 20073006852 in the Donate to a Colorado Nonprofit Fund line on your state income tax return, or give this information to your tax preparer.

You Make All the Difference

Be Part of Our Community

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Crested Butte Nordic depends on your support to keep our trails world-class and our programs top-notch. Please consider making a gift to help us get more people outside, having life-changing experiences in the outdoors, all year long.

Interested in making a legacy gift to CB Nordic? Contact Executive Director Hedda Peterson, hedda@cbnordic.org, to learn more about how to make a gift that sustains CB Nordic so that future generations can experience the beauty and wonder of winter.